Watts Mills, SC
Population 2,250 · South Carolina
About Watts Mills, SC
Watts Mills is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 2,250 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,192 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Watts Mills features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Watts Mills one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $818, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 656 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (293 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (300 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Watts Mills shows an unemployment rate of 12.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Watts Mills have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
2.6% of Watts Mills residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.5% White, 24.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 29.4% Asian residents, with 28.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Watts Mills, SC
Compared to national averages, Watts Mills has a median household income of $47,192 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $818 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Watts Mills's income is 20% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 100% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Watts Mills, SC?
Watts Mills offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $818/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,192) that falls below the national average. However, Watts Mills’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watts Mills has a population of 2,250 with a median age of 29.5 years. Compare Watts Mills with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Watts Mills
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster | 2,244 | $38,393 | $175,600 | Compare |
| Elgin | 2,258 | $74,167 | $177,700 | Compare |
| Edisto | 2,261 | $46,644 | $46,200 | Compare |
| Kershaw | 2,220 | $58,077 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Riverview | 2,215 | $131,158 | $484,800 | Compare |
| Estill | 2,287 | $36,547 | $79,500 | Compare |
| Ware Shoals | 2,207 | $35,896 | $63,600 | Compare |
| Privateer | 2,294 | $49,861 | $96,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Watts Mills With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watts Mills
What is the population of Watts Mills, SC?
The population of Watts Mills, SC is 2,250 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Watts Mills?
The median household income in Watts Mills, SC is $47,192 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watts Mills?
The median home value in Watts Mills, SC is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Watts Mills?
The median monthly rent in Watts Mills, SC is $818, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watts Mills?
The unemployment rate in Watts Mills, SC is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Watts Mills, SC a good place to live?
Watts Mills offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,250 and a median age of 29.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Watts Mills, SC?
2.6% of residents in Watts Mills aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Watts Mills?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watts Mills, SC: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $818/month, and median household income is $47,192. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Watts Mills?
The poverty rate in Watts Mills, SC is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Watts Mills, SC?
Watts Mills's population is 5.5% White, 24.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 29.4% Asian, and 11.7% two or more races. 28.0% of residents are foreign-born.